Alvin McLoughlin, 89, of Abilene left this earth for his heavenly home on September 7, 2016.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 10, 2016 at 2:00 PM in the Chapel at Elmwood Funeral Home (5750 US Highway 277 S, Abilene TX 79606). Visitation with the family will be Friday, September 9, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Elmwood Funeral Home.

Alvin (Al) was born April 29, 1927 in San Antonio, Texas to George and Myrtle McLoughlin. After graduating from high school in Kerrville, Texas in 1945, he served in the U.S. Army in Europe until 1947 where he worked on the Stars and Stripes newspaper. Al worked for various Harte-Hanks newspapers for over 43 years until his retirement from the Abilene Reporter News in 1991.

He married Betty Head on October 6, 1950 in Corpus Christi, Texas and together they raised three children: Brenda, Terri, and Jerry. After their move to Abilene in 1974, Al joined the First Baptist Church of Abilene and taught Sunday School to pre-schoolers for 15 years.

Al is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers and five sisters.

He is survived by his wife, of 65 years, Betty; and their three children, Brenda McLoughlin Balsano of Abilene, Terri McLoughlin Jones of Mary Ester, FL, and Jerry McLoughlin and wife Necia of Desoto, TX. Alâ€™s surviving sister is Dell Ford of Spring Branch TX. He is also survived by three grandchildren, Jake McKewin of Ft. Collins, CO, Stephanie Jones of Mary Ester, FL, and Rachel Jones of New Smyrna Beach, FL.

After his retirement of 1991, Al enjoyed activities with the Big Country Iris and Daylily Club, Senior Circle, Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP), and the local chapter of AARP, where he served as President for several years. He was awarded the RSVP Volunteer of the Year Award in 2010.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the charity of your choice.

Online Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.elmwoodfuneral.com

Guestbook Entries

As I write this letter, I realize that you will never be able to read it. I am still trying to grasp the fact that you died this past month and that we will never again have the father and son conversations that I came to cherish over the past several years. Although I know in my heart that you are finally resting, I will miss you for the rest of my life.

Several years ago as we walked to the neighborhood park, you told me that had no regrets in life and that you were not afraid of dying. Remembering that you told me that has brought me great peace over this past month. In fact, I understand things for certain that I had never considered before now. You probably told me thousands of pieces of advice over my lifetime; and you were fairly certain that I had ignored each of them. Now that you are gone I somehow seem to remember hundreds of our conversations.

I came to understand so much more as I have matured from a young boy into a man. Some of these things I could not possibly grasp until I became a parent.

I remember that for most of my childhood you worked two jobs, and I know that there were many times when you and Mom struggled to put food on the table. There were several times that we had pancakes, bacon, and eggs for dinner – and you made that feel like a special treat. I learned years later than you and Mom were just trying to make the dollars stretch until payday. I realize now the sacrifices you made so that all three of your kids could attend college – which was an opportunity that you and Mom never had.

As a young boy growing up, I watched you in amazement at the things that you could do with so little effort. The way you could start a conversation with a complete stranger, and the way you could make most problems seem smaller by explaining, “It’s not complicated, it’s just hard work.”

You were part of the American population that grew up in the depression and served our country during WWII. Whenever I hear stories about “The Greatest Generation”, I think, “Yeah - that’s my dad they are talking about; a man of character, and substance.” I am proud of you, and I am proud to be your son.

I will miss being able to talk to you whenever I need your guidance and wisdom. Thank you for helping me become a better man.

I love you, Dad.Your Loving Son,Jerry

Jerry McLoughlin

Desoto, TX

May fond memories of yourloved one bring you comfortduring this hard time in your life. The Sunrise BaptistChurch Family extends lovingChristian sympathy to yourfamily. If we can assist you,please contact us at830-893-8731. “The Lordgoes before you and will bewith you; he will never leaveyou nor forsake you. Do notbe afraid; do not be discouraged.”Deut. 31:8

Sunrise Baptist Church

Kerrville, TX

Dear Betty, Brenda, Terri, and Jerry,

We pray God's comfort and peace for you and the family during this difficult time and in the days ahead. Al was a good man and will be missed.

Your friends in Christ,Darrell and Priscilla Wood

John 14:27

Darrell and Priscilla Wood

Condolences(3)

Jerry McLoughlinDesoto, TX

Friday, November 18, 2016

A Final Letter to My Father

Dear Dad,

As I write this letter, I realize that you will never be able to read it. I am still trying to grasp the fact that you died this past month and that we will never again have the father and son conversations that I came to cherish over the past several years. Although I know in my heart that you are finally resting, I will miss you for the rest of my life.

Several years ago as we walked to the neighborhood park, you told me that had no regrets in life and that you were not afraid of dying. Remembering that you told me that has brought me great peace over this past month. In fact, I understand things for certain that I had never considered before now. You probably told me thousands of pieces of advice over my lifetime; and you were fairly certain that I had ignored each of them. Now that you are gone I somehow seem to remember hundreds of our conversations.

I came to understand so much more as I have matured from a young boy into a man. Some of these things I could not possibly grasp until I became a parent.

I remember that for most of my childhood you worked two jobs, and I know that there were many times when you and Mom struggled to put food on the table. There were several times that we had pancakes, bacon, and eggs for dinner – and you made that feel like a special treat. I learned years later than you and Mom were just trying to make the dollars stretch until payday. I realize now the sacrifices you made so that all three of your kids could attend college – which was an opportunity that you and Mom never had.

As a young boy growing up, I watched you in amazement at the things that you could do with so little effort. The way you could start a conversation with a complete stranger, and the way you could make most problems seem smaller by explaining, “It’s not complicated, it’s just hard work.”

You were part of the American population that grew up in the depression and served our country during WWII. Whenever I hear stories about “The Greatest Generation”, I think, “Yeah - that’s my dad they are talking about; a man of character, and substance.” I am proud of you, and I am proud to be your son.

I will miss being able to talk to you whenever I need your guidance and wisdom. Thank you for helping me become a better man.

I love you, Dad.Your Loving Son,Jerry

Sunrise Baptist ChurchKerrville, TX

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

May fond memories of yourloved one bring you comfortduring this hard time in your life. The Sunrise BaptistChurch Family extends lovingChristian sympathy to yourfamily. If we can assist you,please contact us at830-893-8731. “The Lordgoes before you and will bewith you; he will never leaveyou nor forsake you. Do notbe afraid; do not be discouraged.”Deut. 31:8

Darrell and Priscilla WoodAbilene, TX

Sunday, September 11, 2016

Dear Betty, Brenda, Terri, and Jerry,

We pray God's comfort and peace for you and the family during this difficult time and in the days ahead. Al was a good man and will be missed.